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Welcome to this edition of rAVe Home! It wasn't long ago that rear projection was considered passé. Well, new advancements mean rear projection is back with slimmer cabinets, competitive pricing and plenty of push from big manufacturers. Check out the news below, as well as Art Berman's article about Sony's new SXRD LCOS models. Enjoy the issue! Gary Kayye, CTS Join Gary Kayye at the Fourth Annual InfoComm Manufacturers Forum!
If you're interested in candid, insightful opinions about the current and future state of the AV industry, it's an event not to be missed! And, it's free to all attendees! To read about last year's forum, go to http://www.ravepro.com/issues/2006/07/vol4_iss13/index.html#d2 For registration information, go to http://www.infocommshow.org/html/842_2572.htm Sony Unveils Five New SXRD Microdisplay Based HDTVs By Art Berman SXRD is Sony's version of LCOS. Large screen, rear projection HDTV products based on SXRD microdisplays have been offered by Sony for some time. Their image qualities routinely get good reviews. On the other hand, the preference by consumer's for flat panel displays is clear and beyond doubt. The solution is obvious: make flatter rear projection TVs (RPTVs). Well, that is a classic "easier said than done". None-the-less, Sony took up the challenge. At the 2006 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Sony provided a preview of coming attractions by showing off a prototype "thin", hang on the wall RPTV. That was then. Today, Sony announced the availability in the fall of this year of two model lines of thinned RPTVs. 1. Motionflow 120Hz. By taking a source video that has 60 frames per second and interpolating an extra frame between each existing frame, the motion is made to look smoother and less dizzying when a rapidly moving image is displayed. Motionflow technology is adjustable with four modes (including "off") so that the user can adapt the feature to differing image content such as high definition sports or movies from a Blu-ray Disc. An interesting point related to the selection of 120Hz is that it's not only double the frame rate for 1080p/60 signals, but also a direct multiple of the 24 fps frame rate used in movie film. Movies on Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD are encoded at 1080p/24 and players are starting to allow output at that native rate. Sony's adjustable Motionflow modes should allow display of the 1080p/24 signal at a direct five times the frame rate of 120Hz. This would remove judder and flicker in the image. Other 120Hz displays may not directly accept 1080p/24 signals, or they may convert them to 1080p/60 before converting to 120Hz. 2. Photo Mode. Video looks best when the image is sharp. On the other hand, when a sharp still image is displayed, it may not necessarily look its' best. Photo Mode addresses this issue by smoothing the photo images without losing the detail. 3. Live Color. SXRD based HDTVs can handle broader color gamuts than their source video. In order to utilize this capability a feature is included by which the video processors themselves enhance the color of source material to the new xv color standard. The new Sony RPTV models are not cheap. The initial pricing announced today follows: 60" KDS-Z60XBR5 $5,000 70" KDS-Z70XBR5 $6,000 50" KDS-50A3000 $3,000 55" KDS-55A3000 $3,300 60" KDS-60A3000 $3,500 We see Sony's new SXRD based product line offerings as a major and continuing endorsement of RPTV. Then again, perhaps in fairness a codicil should be added to the endorsement. All of Sony's new products are at the large end of the screen size spectrum. That's OK. Conventional wisdom has it that flat panel displays own the smaller screen sizes and rear projection makes the most sense and competes most effectively in the larger screen sizes. But (there is always a "but") based on the continuing success of flat panel displays, the unresolved question has become: at what size does "large" begin? Perhaps Sony's new RPTV offerings will help define the range of screen sizes over which RPTV is viable. In any case, this was good news for believers in RPTV. Viva LCOS! Long live rear projection! About Insight Media: Insight Media (www.insightmedia.info) is a leading market and technology research firm providing its unique Opportunity Analysis for manufacturers and resellers of electronic displays and their components. Opportunity Analysis evaluates technology, market data, competitive factors, user applications, business and distribution elements and combines them into an integrated strategic operational guide. Insight Media also provides timely newsletters, detailed assessments, global market reports, focused industry conferences, and tactical consulting. Thanks to our sponsor D-Tools, worldwide leader in easy-to-use, highly accurate system design software. System Integration just got easier! Profitable. Intense. Comprehensive. Prestigious. One-of-a-kind Are you wondering how all these words relate? The answer is simple – CEDIA EXPO 2007! Here's why…
CEDIA EXPO registration is now open as of June 1, and early bird discounts end July 11 at midnight (PDT). Click here to download registration brochure or for more information, visit www.cedia.org/expo or call (800) 669-5329. CEDIA's e-Learning Coming Soon… Do you want to earn CEUs without leaving your office or home? CEDIA Members can now enjoy the convenience of online training by taking e-Learning courses offered by CEDIA University. You will have easy access to training on demand with greater affordability, less travel, and the opportunity to learn at your own pace. The flexibility of e-Learning allows you to take your course anytime and anywhere without interfering with the critical daily operations of your business. CEDIA University will be launching the following e-Learning courses by this summer: ESTOL308: Retrofit Installation (1.5CEU) ESTOL312: Component Installation (3.0 CEU) ESTOL313: The Principles of IP Networking (3.0 CEU) ESDOL122: Introduction to Sub-System Design (3.0 CEU) ESDOL124: Introduction to Sub-System Control (3.0 CEU) ESDOL142: Introduction to Digital Media Servers (3.0 CEU) ESDOL161: The Designer, the Client, and the Process (3.0 CEU) ESDOL262: Client Instructions (1.5 CEU) For more information contact CEDIA Headquarters at (800) 669-5329. Apple Offering DRM-Free Tracks iTunes is also offering customers a one-click option to upgrade their library of previously purchased EMI content to the iTunes Plus versions. EMI music videos are now also available in iTunes Plus versions with no change in price. iTunes Plus songs purchased from the iTunes Store will play on all iPods, Mac or Windows computers, widescreen TVs with Apple TV and soon, iPhones, as well as many other digital music players. Good move for Apple. Even though users are no longer forced to use iPods to listen to iTunes music, the iTunes store (long considered the best of the bunch in terms of user interface and selections) should remain king with this news. For more information, go to http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2007/05/30itunesplus.html
Hitachi, Panasonic Get Behind Plasma TV With Strengthened Partnership The companies expect new applications for flat-panel TVs and the shift to large screens are expected to generate major growth. They also believe that with falling prices and increased competition, this move will help efficiency of both companies so they can remain competitive. Panasonic will start to supply Hitachi with 103-inch plasma panels in fiscal 2007. Hitachi will start to supply Panasonic with 85-inch plasma panels in fiscal 2008. For more information, go to http://panasonic.co.jp/corp/news/official.data/data.dir/en070524-3/en070524-3.html Mitsubishi Introduces Thin Frame DLP 1080p TVs These new sets use the company's 6-color light engine for producing images in six separate colors. They have three rear HDMI 1.3 inputs, and some of the upgraded models come with dynamic contrast adjustment technologies and other image processing. The models come in 57, 63, and 73inches and there are three versions of each size – the base models and those with the upgraded image processing. For more information, go to http://www.mitsubishi-tv.com/j/i/18337/News.html?mid=94332 Sony Adds Nine Models to BRAVIA LCD Line All of the new models in the line feature Sony's Digital Media Extender (DMeX), offering a digital connection for the optional BRAVIA Internet Video Link module. Users can view select Internet video, including HD content, from providers like AOL, Yahoo! and Grouper, as well as Sony Pictures Entertainment and Sony BMG Music. They also come with BRAVIA Theatre Sync, which has a one-button command for control of different HDMI-connected components as well as other components. Through a one-button click of the remote, users can watch a DVD movie, listen to surround sound audio via an AV receiver, and control other components over a single cable connection. The three models include the W3000, XBR4 and XBR5 Series, the latter two which have a floating glass frame design with the ability to swap the standard black bezel out for any of eight other optional colors. For more information, go to http://news.sel.sony.com/en/press_room/consumer/television/flat_panel_displays/lcd/release/30448.html Kaltman to Introduce Handheld Motorized Cable Coiler at InfoComm Kaltman claims that besides the ten-to-one speed advantage over hand coiling, the "perfect coil" also means no stress on the cable's internal conductors and no twisted tangles when uncoiling the cable for the next use. Originally designed for any environment where microphone, light-weight speaker, lighting control, and electrical power cables are used, the Kaltman Cable Coiler will also work for CAT5, fiber optic, coax and video cables as well as rope. Kaltman will also show its patent pending Cable Slap Ties which literally, in one motion, slap onto the cable, eliminating Velcro straps, tie line, taping, or cable knot tying. For more information, go to http://www.kaltmancreationsllc.com/ Gefen to Demo Three Wireless Solutions at InfoComm The Component Audio Extender uses small sender and receiver units to deliver high definition video in resolutions from 480i to 720p up to 60 feet. It supports two channels of RCA stereo audio to accompany the video for a true HDTV experience using the IEEE 802.11a/g/e protocol. The Wireless for HDMI Extender uses ultra wideband technology to deliver high definition resolutions up to 1080i to any HDMI display or projector located 60 feet from the source. Sender and receiver are HDCP-compliant and operate with a high-speed transmission rate so there is no delay or signal loss. The Wireless USB Extender supports the connection of hi-speed USB 2.0 devices up to 100 feet from the computer. It works with Apple (OSX) and PC (Windows, Linux, Unix) systems using Icron Technologies' ExtremeUSB based on 802.11g technologies. The receiver is a four-port USB 2.0 hub that can support additional devices by adding additional hubs. It boasts a high transfer rate of video, audio and data streams wirelessly. For more information, go to http://www.gefen.com/ Panamax MAX 7500-PRO Now Shipping This product has IP-based remote diagnostics capabilities, ground isolation, voltage regulation, satellite and cable protection and telephone protection. For more information, go to http://www.panamax.com/products.cfm?group=1&sec=detail&id=284&ly=h How to Mount Your Crestron TPMC-8X WiFi Touchpanel For more information, go to http://www.crestron.com/ Sonos Introduces $999 Sonos Bundle 130 for Two-Room Music Distribution and Control The ZP80 can be connected to an existing stereo or home theater receiver to instantly make it part of a digital music system. Then the ZP100 connects to speakers and placed in any room, while the CR100 provides wireless multi-room control of all the music from any room in the house. Sonos offers just those basic components but also optional loudspeakers, ZonePlayers, charging cradles and more. All previous Sonos bundles, the ZP100 Bundle (BU101) and the ZP80 Bundle (BU80) will be discontinued. For more information, go to http://www.sonos.com/news_and_reviews/press_releases/2007/pr_052307_bu130_us.htm Sony's New Whole House HD Video Distribution System The CAV-CVS12ES is a single-box solution that incorporates eight HD component video inputs (up to 1080p) and four composite video inputs with up-conversion. The CAT5e wiring is fed into a component adapter connected to the display. The system also features IR and RS-232. It will be available in September with a list price of $2,700. The CAV-CVB1 Cat5e to component box will also be available in September at a list price of $129. Obviously, this requires something like an AMX or Crestron control system (since it's truly a 12 x 12 matrix switcher) even though Sony announced an IR remote for it. For more information, go to http://news.sel.sony.com New Fusion Genesis Media Server Holds up to 2 Terabytes The 1 terabyte version is priced at $7,995 and the 2 terabyte at $9,495. Genesis combines storage and playback in a single zone media server, Genesis can also be expanded to provide up to 3 discrete streams of music or video simultaneously. It uses the same graphical user interface found on the company's flagship model, Cinema Server, and it has IR and IP control as well as its own supplied remote. Genesis plugs into the video and audio components, then connects to the internet for free automatic downloads of DVD and CD meta data and cover art. For more information, go to http://www.fusionrd.com/genesis.htm
New Full-Range Wall-Mount Single-Cabinet Home Theater From ZVOX The 425 is composed of three 3.25" monaural speakers, driven by their own dedicated amplifier, two 3.25" speakers, and two long-excursion 4" powered subwoofers. It measures 37"w x 7"h x 5"d. It uses one connecting cable to hook up to the audio outputs or headphone jack of a TV. The front-panel input also accommodates iPods, PCs, satellite radios, portable CD players, game consoles – anything with a headphone jack. Suggested retail selling price of the ZVOX 425 is $599.99 For more information, go to http://www.zvoxaudio.com/press_release/425_pr.htm KEF Shipping Wireless Speaker System KEF is using 2.4GHz wireless transmission technology the company says is designed to ensure an interference-free signal. This proprietary technology is pre-emptive and will change channels automatically to a pre negotiated frequency (within the best available band) before any errors start to occur. CD quality audio won't be affected by microwave ovens, cordless phones, or LAN routers, says KEF. For more information, go to http://www.kef.com/ Well, that's it for this edition of rAVe! Thank you for spending time with me as we muse the industry's happenings. To continue getting my newsletter, or to sign up a friend, click the link below. To send me feedback, don't reply to this newsletter – instead, write to me at gkayye@kayye.com or for editorial: Denise Harrison at dharrison@kayye.com A little about me: Gary Kayye, CTS, founder of Kayye Consulting. Gary Kayye, an audiovisual veteran and columnist, began the widely-read KNews, a premier industry newsletter, in the late 1990s, and created the model for and was co-founder of AV Avenue – which later became InfoComm IQ. Kayye Consulting is a company that is committed to furthering the interests and success of dealers, manufacturers, and other companies within the professional audiovisual industry. Gary Kayye's rAVe was launched in February 2003. The rAVe Home Edition co-sponsored by CEDIA launched in February, 2004. To read more about my background, our staff, and what we do, go to http://www.kayye.com Copyright 2007 – Kayye Consulting – All rights reserved. For reprint policies, contact Kayye Consulting, 400 Meadowmont Village Circle, Suite 425 – Chapel Hill, NC 27517 – 919/969-7501. Email: dharrison@kayye.com Gary Kayye's rAVe contains the opinions of the author only and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of other persons or companies or its sponsors.
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